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Mangosteen: The “Queen of Fruits”

Almost unheard of in the temperate zones of North America and Europe, the mangosteen has been treasured for centuries by inhabitants of the tropical Asian rainforests. Throughout the world, it is known as the “Queen of Fruits”. Even in the Caribbean it is referred to as the “Fruit of the Gods”. Limited to tropical zones with abundant rainfall, the mangosteen tree takes 8-10 years to mature and bear fruit. Fully mature trees can be up to 80 feet tall, and may produce thousands of individual fruits each year. About the size of a tangerine, the ripe mangosteen has a smooth, dark purple rind encasing snow-white fruit. Unlike other tropical fruits that have an acquired taste, mangosteen has a flavor that appeals to everyone from the first taste.